U.S. Men Win Qualifier

Thanks to Brian McBride and Eddie Johnson, the United States can advance to the finals round of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup with a victory over Panama next week.

McBride scored in the 29th minute and Johnson, making his international debut, added a goal in the 75th to lead the United States over El Salvador, 2-0, Saturday night.

“You do not win too many games on the road in World Cup qualifying,” U.S. Coach Bruce Arena said. “We finished this round without losing a game on the road, so I think that’s a big plus for our team.”

The United States (2-0-2) leads Group A of the North and Central American and Caribbean semifinals with eight points, three ahead of Jamaica and Panama (both 1-1-2), who played a 1-1 tie Saturday night in Panama City.

The Americans, who extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games, can clinch a berth in next year’s six-nation regional finals with a victory Wednesday over Panama in Washington, D.C. After that, the United States closes the round Nov. 17 against Jamaica at Columbus, Ohio.

McBride took a pass from Kerry Zavagnin on the left side in the 29th minute, cut past defender Victor Velasquez and beat goalkeeper Misael Alfaro to the far post for his 26th goal in 81 international appearances.

“When I received the ball, I just tried to shield it and turn,” McBride said. “I faked the shot, and the second time I was going to hit it but I faked again and they fell off again, and the ball set up for the third time and I struck it pretty well.”

Johnson replaced McBride in the 71st minute and scored four minutes into his first appearance with the national team. DaMarcus Beasley slotted the ball to Landon Donovan, who got by defender Marvin Gonzalez and sent the ball across to Johnson, who kicked it into the open net with his left foot from two yards out.